Specifications

“mm” - The larger the number next to “mm”, the longer the lens is. For example, a 300mm lens

is definitely a LONG lens meant to shoot subjects from a distance, whereas a 50mm lens is more likely

meant for close subjects OR to get the “whole picture” from one spot. In other words, you will be able

to capture the entire baseball field but you will not be able to zoom-in on the ball with a 50mm, as you

would with a 200 or 300mm lens.

“f” – or “f-stop” lets you know how wide the “eye” of the lens can open. However, in this case,

it would appear that the “smaller” the number next to “f” is, the LARGER the eye can become. I write

“smaller” in parenthesis because technically, the smaller number IS larger and here’s an easy way to

think of it.

Think of “f” as equal to the word “fraction”. Now, put your “f” numbers next to a 1/ for

example: 1/2.8 or 1/5.6

Even though 2.8 is a smaller NUMBER than 5.6, in FRACTIONS 1/2.8 is closer to one-half whereas 1/5.6

is closer to one-fifth. Therefore, 1/2.8 is LARGER than 1/5.6, right?

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s quickly discuss why you’d want a bigger (smaller!) f-number and

that’s quite simple, the larger the aperture, the more light you can allow into the camera.

This offers much more option in low-light situations and allows you a greater range of adjustment for

your other settings, such as shutter speed and ISO.

One last point about “f” is that the greater the maximum aperture opening on a lens the more expensive

the lens will be. For example, a lens with a max aperture of 1.4 will be more costly than a lens with a 2.8

max aperture.

Standard Zoom

Most camera kits will come with a standard all-purpose lens, such as the f2.8, 28-50mm zoom, as

previously mentioned. The lens that comes with the kit is usually perfectly fine for almost all of your

personal or commercial shooting immediate needs.

Of course, when you want to get more serious about experimenting with your art or perfecting technical

skills, then you’ll start researching into serious lenses.

For newbies and the budget-minded, Sigma is the go-to brand for affordable, quality lenses.

Not only does Sigma make great lenses that are also affordable, but they also make lenses that fit BOTH

Nikon and Canon, which is a significant thing.

** Tip: You’ll want to make sure you’re buying a lens that is COMPATIBLE (in other words = fits!) on

your camera-body or you’ll be very sorry, as you’ll be sending that unusable lens right back. **

Wide Angle

A wide-angle lens has a “shorter length” number range and describes basically how close you can get to